Pentavalent and tetravalent uranium selenides, Tl3Cu4USe6 and Tl2Ag2USe4: syntheses, characterization, and structural comparison to other layered actinide chalcogenide compounds

The compounds Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) and Tl(2)Ag(2)USe(4) were synthesized by the reaction of the elements in excess TlCl at 1123 K. Both compounds crystallize in new structure types, in space groups P2(1)/c and C2/m, respectively, of the monoclinic system. Each compound contains layers of USe(6) octahedra and MSe(4) (M = Cu, Ag) tetrahedra, separated by Tl(+) cations. The packing of the octahedra and the tetrahedra within the layers is compared to the packing arrangements found in other layered actinide chalcogenides. Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) displays peaks in its magnetic susceptibility at 5 and 70 K. It exhibits modified Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior with an effective magnetic moment of 1.58(1) μ(B) in the temperature range 72-300 K, whereas Tl(2)Ag(2)USe(4) exhibits modified Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior with μ(eff) = 3.4(1) μ(B) in the temperature range 100-300 K. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) results from scanning transmission X-ray spectromicroscopy confirm that Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) has Se bonding characteristic of discrete Se(2-) units, Cu bonding generally representative of Cu(+), and U bonding consistent with a U(4+) or U(5+) species. On the basis of these measurements, as well as bonding arguments, the formal oxidation states for U may be assigned as +5 in Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) and +4 in Tl(2)Ag(2)USe(4).     

Crystal structure and physical properties of the new chalcogenides Ba3Cu(17-x)(S,Te)11 and Ba3Cu(17-x)(S,Te)11.5 with two different Cu clusters

The sulfide-tellurides Ba(3)Cu(17-x)(S,Te)(11) and Ba(3)Cu(17-x)(S,Te)(11.5) were synthesized from the elements in stoichiometric ratios heated to 1073 K, followed by slow cooling to 873 K over 100 h. Ba(3)Cu(17-x)(S,Te)(11) is isostructural to Ba(3)Cu(17-x)(Se,Te)(11) when [S] > [Te], space group R ?3m, with lattice dimensions of a = 12.009(1) ?, c = 27.764(2) ?, V = 3467.6(5) ?(3), for Ba(3)Cu(15.7(4))S(7.051(5))Te(3.949) (Z = 6). The structure is composed of Cu atoms forming paired hexagonal antiprisms, capped on the two outer hexagonal faces, where each Cu atom is tetrahedrally coordinated by four Q (= S, Te) atoms. The new variant is formed when [Te] > [S]; then Ba(3)Cu(17-x)(S,Te)(11.5) adopts space group Fm3?m with a = 17.2095(8) ?, V = 5096.9(4) ?(3), for Ba(3)Cu(15.6(2))S(5.33(4))Te(6.17) (Z = 8). This structure consists of eight Te-centered Cu(16) icosioctahedra per cell interconnected by cubic Cu(8) units centered by Q atoms. Electronic structure calculations and property measurements illustrate that these compounds behave as extrinsic p-type semiconductors-toward metallic behavior for the latter compound. With standard oxidation states Ba(2+), Cu(+), and Q(2-), the electron precise formulas are Ba(3)Cu(16)Q(11) and Ba(3)Cu(17)Q(11.5).     

Oxidation state of uranium in A6Cu12U2S15 (A = K, Rb, Cs) compounds

Black single crystals of A(6)Cu(12)U(2)S(15) (A = K, Rb, Cs) have been synthesized by the reactive flux method. These isostructural compounds crystallize in the cubic space group Ia ?3d at room temperature. The structure comprises a three-dimensional framework built from US(6) octahedra and CuS(3) trigonal planar units with A cations residing in the cavities. There are no S-S bonds in the structure. To elucidate the oxidation state of U in these compounds, various physical property measurements and characterization methods were carried out. Temperature-dependent electrical resistivity measurement on a single crystal of K(6)Cu(12)U(2)S(15) showed it to be a semiconductor. These three A(6)Cu(12)U(2)S(15) (A = K, Rb, Cs) compounds all exhibit small effective magnetic moments, < 0.58 μ(B)/U and band gaps of about 0.55(2) eV in their optical absorption spectra. From X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), the absorption edge of A(6)Cu(12)U(2)S(15) is very close to that of UO(3). Electronic band structure calculations at the density functional theory (DFT) level indicate a strong degree of covalency between U and S atoms, but theory was not conclusive about the formal oxidation state of U. All experimental data suggest that the A(6)Cu(12)U(2)S(15) family is best described as an intermediate U(5+)/U(6+) sulfide system of (A(+))(6)(Cu(+))(12)(U(5+))(2)(S(2-))(13)(S(-))(2) and (A(+))(6)(Cu(+))(12)(U(6+))(2)(S(2-))(15).     

Syntheses, structure, and a Mössbauer and magnetic study of Ba(4)Fe(2)I(5)S(4)

The compound Ba4Fe2I5S4 has been prepared at 1223-1123 K by the "U-assisted" reaction of FeS, BaS, S, and U with BaI2 as a flux. A more rational synthesis was also found; however, the presence of U appears to be essential for the formation of single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction studies. Ba4Fe2I5S4 crystallizes in a new structure type with two formula units in space group I4/m of the tetragonal system. The structure consists of a Ba-I network penetrated by (1)infinity[Fe2S4] chains. Each Fe atom, which is located on a site with 4 symmetry, is tetrahedrally coordinated to four S atoms. The FeS4 tetrahedra edge-share to form linear (1)infinity[Fe2S4] chains in the [001] direction. The Fe-Fe interatomic distance in these chains is 2.5630(4) A, only about 3% longer than the shortest Fe-Fe distance in -Fe metal. Charge balance dictates that the average formal oxidation state of Fe in these chains is +2.5. The M?ssbauer spectra obtained at 85 and 270 K comprise a single quadrupole doublet that has hyperfine parameters consistent with an average Fe oxidation state of +2.5. The M?ssbauer spectrum obtained at 4.2 K consists of a single magnetic sextet with a small hyperfine field of -15.5 T. This spectrum is also consistent with rapid electron delocalization and an average Fe oxidation state of +2.5. The molar magnetic susceptibility of Ba4Fe2I5S4, obtained between 3.4 and 300 K, qualitatively indicates the presence of weak pseudo-one-dimensional ferromagnetic exchange within a linear chain above 100 K and weak three-dimensional ordering between the chains at lower temperatures.     

Contribution of disulfide S2(2-) anions to the crystal and electronic structures in ternary sulfides, Ba12In4S19, Ba4M2S8 (M=Ga, In)

Three semiconducting ternary sulfides have been synthesized from the mixture of elements with about 20% excess of sulfur (to establish oxidant rich conditions) by solid-state reactions at high temperature. Ba(12)In(4)S(19) ≡ (Ba(2+))(12)(In(3+))(4)(S(2-))(17)(S(2))(2-), 1, crystallizes in the trigonal space group R ?3 with a = 9.6182(5) ?, b = 9.6182(5) ?, c = 75.393(7) ?, and Z = 6, with a unique long period-stacking structure of a combination of monometallic InS(4) tetrahedra, linear dimeric In(2)S(7) tetrahedra, disulfide S(2)(2-) anions, and isolated sulfide S(2-) anions that is further enveloped by Ba(2+) cations. Ba(4)In(2)S(8) ≡ (Ba(2+))(4)(In(3+))(2)(S(2-))(6)(S(2))(2-), 2, crystallizes in the triclinic space group P ?1? with a = 6.236(2) ?, b = 10.014(4) ?, c = 13.033(5) ?, α = 104.236(6)°, β = 90.412(4)°, γ = 91.052(6)°, and Z = 2. Ba(4)Ga(2)S(8) ≡ (Ba(2+))(4)(Ga(3+))(2)(S(2-))(6)(S(2))(2-), 3, crystallizes in the monoclinic P2(1)/c with a = 12.739(5) ?, b = 6.201(2) ?, c = 19.830(8) ?, β = 104.254(6)° and Z = 4. Compounds 2 and 3 represent the first one-dimensional (1D) chain structure in ternary Ba/M/S (M = In, Ga) systems. The optical band gaps of 1 and 3 are measured to be around 2.55 eV, which agrees with their yellow color and the calculation results. The CASTEP calculations also reveal that the disulfide S(2)(2-) anions in 1-3 contribute mainly to the bottom of the conduction bands and the top of valence bands, and thus determine the band gaps.     

Synthesis and Structure of Ba(2)Sn(3)Sb(6), a Zintl Phase Containing Channels and Chains

The new Zintl phase dibarium tritin hexaantimonide, Ba(2)Sn(3)Sb(6) has been synthesized, and its structure has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group -Pnma with a = 13.351(1) ?, b = 4.4100(5) ?, c = 24.449(3) ?, and Z = 4 (T = -50 degrees C). The structure of Ba(2)Sn(3)Sb(6) comprises large channels [010] defined by 30-membered rings constructed from an anionic framework. This framework is built up from Sn-centered trigonal pyramids and tetrahedra, as well as zigzag chains of Sb atoms. Within the channels reside the Ba(2+) cations and additional isolated zigzag Sb-Sb chains. The simultaneous presence of Sn trigonal pyramids and tetrahedra implies that Ba(2)Sn(3)Sb(6) is a mixed-valence compound whose oxidation state notation can be best represented as (Ba(2+))(2)[(Sn(II))(2)(Sn(IV))(Sb(-)(III))(3)(Sb(-)(I))](2)(-)[(Sb(-)(I))(2)](2)(-).     

New intermetallics YbAu2In4 and Yb2Au3In5

The intermetallic compounds YbAu(2)In(4) and Yb(2)Au(3)In(5) were obtained as single crystals in high yield from reactions run in liquid indium. Single crystal X-ray diffraction data of YbAu(2)In(4) showed that it crystallizes as a new structure type in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/m and lattice constants a = 7.6536(19) ?, b = 4.5424(11) ?, c = 9.591(2) ? and β = 107.838(4)°. The YbAu(2)In(4) compound is composed of a complex [Au(2)In(4)](3-) polyanionic network in which the rare-earth ions are embedded. Yb(2)Au(3)In(5) crystallizes in the polar space group Cmc2(1) with the Y(2)Rh(3)Sn(5) type structure and lattice constants a = 4.5351(9) ?, b = 26.824(5) ?, and c = 7.4641(15) ?. The gold and indium atoms define a complex three-dimensional [Au(3)In(5)] network with a broad range of Au-In (2.751(2) ?-3.0518(16) ?) and In-In (3.062(3) ?-3.3024(19) ?) distances. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of YbAu(2)In(4) revealed a transition at 25 K. Below the transition, the susceptibility of YbAu(2)In(4) follows Curie-Weiss behavior with an effective paramagnetic moment of 0.79 μ(B)/Yb. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on Yb(2)Au(3)In(5) show a mixed valent ytterbium and the magnetic moment within the linear region (<100 K) of 1.95 μ(B)/Yb. Heat capacity data for YbAu(2)In(4) and Yb(2)Au(3)In(5) give Debye temperatures of 185 and 153 K, respectively.     

K(VO)(SeO(3))(2)H: A New One-Dimensional Compound with Strong Hydrogen Bonding

The hydrothermal synthesis, X-ray single crystal structure, magnetic properties, and solid state NMR and infrared spectroscopic data of a new compound, K(VO)(SeO(3))(2)H, are described. K(VO)(SeO(3))(2)H crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/m (No. 11), with a = 7.8659(7) ?, b = 10.4298(7) ?, c = 4.0872(7) ?, beta = 96.45(1) degrees, and Z = 4. The structure is described as parallel linear strands made of repeating [(VO)(SeO(3))(2)](2-) units. The chains are held together through hydrogen bondings between selenite oxygens, weak V=O.V=O bonds, and ionic bonds to the interchain K(+) ions. The hydrogen bonding in this compound shows many characteristics of the strong hydrogen bonding with a short O-O distance of 2.459(6) ?, a large down field shift of the proton NMR signal of 19 +/- 1 ppm, and a low O-H absorption frequency. However, the exact position of the hydrogen atom and, thus, the nature of the hydrogen bonding in this compound is unclear. Possible models for the hydrogen atom positions are discussed based on experimental and literature data. The magnetic susceptibility data show an antiferromagnetic coupling below 19 K. The curve can be explained with a 1-D Heisenberg model for S = (1)/(2) with J/k = 13.8 K and g = 1.97.     

Mercuric ionic liquids: [C(n)mim][HgX3], where n = 3, 4 and X = Cl, Br

A series of mercury(II) ionic liquids, [C(n)mim][HgX(3)], where [C(n)mim] = n-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium with n = 3, 4 and X = Cl, Br, have been synthesized following two different synthetic approaches, and structurally characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray structure analysis ([C(3)mim][HgCl(3)] (1), Cc (No. 9), Z = 4, a = 16.831(4) ?, b = 10.7496(15) ?, c = 7.4661(14) ?, β = 105.97(2)°, V = 1298.7(4) ?(3) at 298 K; [C(4)mim][HgCl(3)] (2), Cc (No. 9), Z = 4, a = 17.3178(28) ?, b = 10.7410(15) ?, c = 7.4706(14) ?, β = 105.590(13)°, V = 1338.5(4) ?(3) at 170 K; [C(3)mim][HgBr(3)] (3), P2(1)/c (No. 14), Z = 4, a = 10.2041(10) ?, b = 10.7332(13) ?, c = 14.5796(16) ?, β = 122.47(2)°, V = 1347.2(3) ?(3) at 170 K; [C(4)mim][HgBr(3)] (4), Cc (No. 9), Z = 4, a = 17.093(3) ?, b = 11.0498(14) ?, c = 7.8656(12) ?, β = 106.953(13)°, V = 1421.1(4) ?(3) at 170 K). Compounds 1, 2, and 4 are isostructural and are characterized by strongly elongated trigonal [HgX(5)] bipyramids, which are connected via common edges in chains. In contrast, 3 contains [Hg(2)Br(6)] units formed by two edge-sharing tetrahedra. With melting points of 69.3 °C (1), 93.9 °C (2), 39.5 °C (3), and 58.3 °C (4), all compounds qualify as ionic liquids. 1, 2, and 4 solidify upon fast cooling as glasses, whereas 3 crystallizes. Cyclic voltammetry shows two separate, quasi-reversible redox processes, which can be associated with the 2Hg(2+)/Hg(2)(2+) and Hg(2)(2+)/2Hg redox couples.     

A U(V) chalcogenide: synthesis, structure, and characterization of K2Cu3US5

The compound K2Cu3US5 was obtained by the reaction of K2S, UCl4, CuCl, and S at 973 K. K2Cu3US5 crystallizes in a new structure type in space group Cmcm of the orthorhombic system in a cell of dimensions a = 3.9374(6) A, b = 13.813(2) A, c = 17.500(3) A, and V = 951.8(2) A3 at 153 K. The structure comprises (2)(infinity)[UCu3S52-] slabs separated by K+ cations. The slabs are built from CuS4 tetrahedra and US6 octahedra. Their connectivity differs from other known octahedral/tetrahedral packing patterns. In the temperature range 130-300 K the compound exhibits Curie-Weiss magnetic behavior with mu(eff) = 2.45(8) mu(B). This result together with both the bond distances and bond valence calculations and the absence of a Cu2+ ESR signal support the formulation of the above compound as K+2Cu+3U5+S2-5.     

Cs3UGe7O18: a pentavalent uranium germanate containing four- and six-coordinate germanium

A pentavalent uranium germanate, Cs(3)UGe(7)O(18), was synthesized under high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal conditions at 585 °C and 160 MPa and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The valence state of uranium was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance. The room-temperature EPR spectrum can be simulated with two components using an axial model that are consistent with two distinct sites of uranium(V). In the structure of the title compound, each ([6])GeO(6) octahedron is bonded to six three-membered single-ring ([4])Ge(3)O(9)(6-) units to form germanate triple layers in the ab plane. Each layer contains nine-ring windows; however, these windows are blocked by adjacent layers. The triple layers are further connected by UO(6) octahedra to form a three-dimensional framework with intersecting six-ring channels along the <1 ?10> directions. The Cs(+) cation sites are fully occupied, ordered, and located in the cavities of the framework. Pentavalent uranium germanates or silicates are very rare, and only two uranium silicates and one germanate analogue have been published. However, all of them are iso-structural with those of the Nb or Ta analogues. In contrast, the title compound adopts a new structural type and contains both four- and six-coordinate germanium. Crystal data of Cs(3)UGe(7)O(18): trigonal, P3?c1 (No. 165), a = 12.5582(4) ?, c = 19.7870(6) ?, V = 2702.50(15) ?(3), Z = 6, D(calc) = 5.283 g·cm(-3), μ(Mo Kα) = 26.528 mm(-1), R(1) = 0.0204, wR(2) = 0.0519 for 1958 reflections with I > 2σ(I). GooF = 1.040, ρ(max,min) = 1.018, and -1.823 e·?(-3).     

Noncentrosymmetric inorganic open-framework chalcohalides with strong middle IR SHG and red emission: Ba3AGa5Se10Cl2 (A = Cs, Rb, K)

Novel SHG effective inorganic open-framework chalcohalides, Ba(3)AGa(5)Se(10)Cl(2) (A = Cs, Rb and K), have been synthesized by high temperature solid state reactions. These compounds crystallize in the tetragonal space group I ?4 (No.82) with a = b = 8.7348(6) - 8.6341(7) ?, c = 15.697(3) - 15.644(2) ?, V = 1197.6(3) - 1166.2(2) ?(3) on going from Cs to K. The polar framework of (3)(∞)[Ga(5)Se(10)](5-) is constructed by nonpolar GaSe(4)(5- )tetrahedron (T1) and polar supertetrahedral cluster Ga(4)Se(10)(8-) (T2) in a zinc-blende topological structure with Ba/A cations and Cl anions residing in the tunnels. Remarkably, Ba(3)CsGa(5)Se(10)Cl(2) exhibits the strongest intensity at 2.05 μm (about 100 times that of the benchmark AgGaS(2) in the particle size of 30-46 μm) among chalcogenides, halides, and chalcohalides. Furthermore, these compounds are also the first open-framework compounds with red photoluminescent emissions. The Vienna ab initio theoretical studies analyze electronic structures and linear and nonlinear optical properties.     

Polyfluorinated Tris(pyrazolyl)borates. Syntheses and Spectroscopic and Structural Characterization of Group 1 and Group 11 Metal Complexes of [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)](-) and [HB(3-(CF(3))Pz)(3)](-)

The fluorinated tris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)](-) and [HB(3-(CF(3))Pz)(3)](-) (where Pz = pyrazolyl) have been synthesized as their sodium salts from the corresponding pyrazoles and NaBH(4) in high yield. These sodium complexes and the related [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]K(DMAC) were used as ligand transfer agents in the preparation of the copper and silver complexes [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]Cu(DMAC), [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]CuPPh(3), [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]AgPPh(3), and [HB(3-(CF(3))Pz)(3)]AgPPh(3). Metal complexes of the fluorinated [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)](-) ligand have highly electrophilic metal sites relative to their hydrocarbon analogs. This is evident from the formation of stable adducts with neutral oxygen donors such as H(2)O, dimethylacetamide, or thf. Furthermore, the metal compounds derived from fluorinated ligands show fairly long-range coupling between fluorines of the trifluoromethyl groups and the hydrogen, silver, or phosphorus. The solid state structures show that the fluorines are in close proximity to these nuclei, thus suggesting a possible through-space coupling mechanism. Crystal structures of the sodium adducts exhibit significant metal-fluorine interactions. The treatment of [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]Na(H(2)O) with Et(4)NBr led to [Et(4)N][HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)], which contains a well-separated [Et(4)N](+) cation and the [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)](-) anion in the solid state. Crystal data with Mo Kalpha (lambda = 0.710 73 ?) at 193 K: [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]Na(H(2)O), C(15)H(6)BF(18)N(6)NaO, a = 7.992(2) ?, b = 15.049(2) ?, c = 9.934(2) ?, beta = 101.16(2) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/m, Z = 2; [{HB(3-(CF(3))Pz)(3)}Na(thf)](2), C(32)H(30)B(2)F(18)N(12)Na(2)O(2), a = 9.063(3) ?, b = 10.183(2) ?, c = 12.129(2) ?, alpha = 94.61(1) degrees, beta = 101.16(2) degrees, gamma = 95.66(2) degrees, triclinic, &Pmacr;1, Z = 1; [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]Cu(DMAC), C(19)H(13)BCuF(18)N(7)O, a = 15.124(4) ?, b = 8.833(2) ?, c = 21.637(6) ?, beta = 105.291(14) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, Z = 4; [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]CuPPh(3), C(33)H(19)BCuF(18)N(6)P, a = 9.1671(8) ?, b = 14.908(2) ?, c = 26.764(3) ?, beta = 94.891(1) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4; [HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)]AgPPh(3).0.5C(6)H(14), C(36)H(26)AgBF(18)N(6)P, a = 13.929(2) ?, b = 16.498(2) ?, c = 18.752(2) ?, beta = 111.439(6) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4; [Et(4)N][HB(3,5-(CF(3))(2)Pz)(3)], C(23)H(24)BF(18)N(7), a = 10.155(2) ?, b = 18.580(4) ?, c = 16.875(5) ?, beta = 99.01(2) degrees, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, Z = 4.     

A Unique Discrete Tetranuclear Cu'-Cu(N-N)(2)Cu-Cu' Copper(II) Complex, Built from a μ(3)-1,2,4-Triazolato-μ-carboxylato Ligand, as an Effective DNA Cleavage Agent

The title compound, characterized by means of an X-ray structure analysis, represents an easy example of a noncatena "1 + 2 + 1" tetranuclear copper(II) μ(3)-triazolate compound. [Cu(4)(atc)(2)(dien)(4)(ClO(4))(2)](ClO(4))(2)·2H(2)O (1), where H(2)atc = 5-amino-l,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylic acid and dien = diethylenetriamine = 1,4,7-triazaheptane, contains two copper atoms linked by a double diazinic bridge, each of which is further connected to a third and fourth copper atom (Cu') through the triply bridging triazolato ring and the bidentate carboxylato group of the atc(2-) ligands. The copper-copper distances within the tetranuclear unit are Cu-Cu = 4.059 ?, Cu-Cu' = 5.686 and 6.370 ?, and Cu'-Cu' = 11.373 ?. The compound self-assembles into a tridimensional hydrogen-bonded network to generate a MOF. 1 exhibits antiferromagnetic behavior with g = 2.10(1), J = -34.1(2) cm(-1) and j = -5.50(3) cm(-1), where J is the coupling constant of the central Cu-Cu pair and j the coupling constant of the two Cu-Cu' (Cu(central)-Cu(pheripheral)) pairs, as defined by H = -JS(2)S(2a) - j (S(1)S(2) + S(2a)S(1a)). Complex 1 has been tested as nuclease mimic. It shows good binding propensity to calf thymus DNA, with a binding constant value of 6.20 × 10(6) M(-1) (K(app)) and ΔT(m) = 18.3 °C. Moreover, the compound displays efficient oxidative cleavage of pUC18 DNA, even at low concentration, in the presence of a mild reducing agent (ascorbate), with a rate constant for the conversion of supercoiled to nicked DNA (k(obs)) of ～0.126 min(-1). The good reactivity of 1 toward DNA is explained from the electrostatic interactions of the cationic species produced in solution.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, chemical bonding, and physical properties of the ternary Na/Mg stannide Na2MgSn

A ternary stannide of sodium and magnesium, Na(2)MgSn, was synthesized from the elements, and the crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the Li(2)CuAs structure type (hexagonal, P6(3)/mmc, Z = 2, a = 5.0486(11) ?, c = 10.095(2) ?), and its structure is built up of two-dimensional honeycomb layers of (2)(∞)[(MgSn)(2-)] stacked along the c-axis, with Na atoms as "space fillers". First-principles computations at various levels of density functional theory (DFT) verify that the most stable configuration is the one in which Na and Mg atoms occupy the 4f and 2b sites, respectively, and thus DFT provides a necessary complement to X-ray structural elucidation. Our computations also predict that Na(2)MgSn must be a semiconductor with a small band gap. In accord with these predictions, the electrical resistivity measured for a polycrystalline sample of Na(2)MgSn is 9.6-10.4 mΩ cm in the range of 90-635 K, and the Seebeck coefficient decreases from +390 μV K(-1) (at 300 K) to +150 μV K(-1) (at 430 K).     

New layered materials: syntheses, structures, and optical and magnetic properties of CsGdZnSe3, CsZrCuSe3, CsUCuSe3, and BaGdCuSe3

Four new quaternary selenides CsGdZnSe3, CsZrCuSe3, CsUCuSe3, and BaGdCuSe3 have been synthesized with the use of traditional high-temperature solid-state experimental methods. These compounds are isostructural with KZrCuS3, crystallizing with four formula units in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm. Cell constants (A) at 153 K are CsGdZnSe3 4.1684(7), 15.765(3), 11.0089(18); CsZrCuSe3 3.903(2), 15.841(10), 10.215(6); CsUCuSe3 4.1443(7), 15.786(3), 10.7188(18); and BaGdCuSe3 4.1839(6), 13.8935(19), 10.6692(15). The structure of these ALnMSe3 compounds (A = Cs, Ba; Ln = Zr, Gd, U; M = Cu, Zn) is composed of 2 to infinity [LnMSe3(n-)] (n = 1, 2) layers separated by A atoms. The Ln atom is octahedrally coordinated to six Se atoms, the M atom is tetrahedrally coordinated to four Se atoms, and the A atom is coordinated to a bicapped trigonal prism of eight Se atoms. Because there are no Se-Se bonds in the structure, the oxidation state of A is 1+ (Cs) or 2+ (Ba), that of Ln is 3+ (Gd) or 4+ (Zr, U), and that of M is 1+ (Cu) or 2+ (Zn). CsGdZnSe3 and BaGdCuSe3, which are paramagnetic, obey the Curie-Weiss law and have effective magnetic moments of 7.87(6) and 7.85(5) muB for Gd(3+), in good agreement with the theoretical value of 7.94 muB. Optical transitions at 1.88 and 2.92 eV for CsGdZnSe3 and 1.96 eV for BaGdCuSe3 were deduced from diffuse reflectance spectra.     

Aluminosilicate relatives: Chalcogenoaluminogermanates Rb(3)(AlQ(2))(3)(GeQ(2))(7) (Q = S, Se)

The new compounds Rb(3)(AlQ(2))(3)(GeQ(2))(7) [Q = S (1), Se (2)] feature the 3D anionic open framework [(AlQ(2))(3)(GeQ(2))(7)](3-) in which aluminum and germanium share tetrahedral coordination sites. Rb ions are located in channels formed by the connection of 8, 10, and 16 (Ge/Al)S(4) tetrahedra. The isostructural sulfur and selenium derivatives crystallize in the space group P2(1)/c. 1: a = 6.7537(3) ?, b = 37.7825(19) ?, c = 6.7515(3) ?, and β = 90.655(4)°. 2: a = 7.0580(5) ?, b = 39.419(2) ?, c = 7.0412(4) ?, β = 90.360(5)°, and Z = 2 at 190(2) K. The band gaps of the congruently melting chalcogenogermanates are 3.1 eV (1) and 2.4 eV (2).     

New barium copper chalcogenides synthesized using two different chalcogen atoms: Ba2Cu(6-x)STe4 and Ba2Cu(6-x)Se(y)Te(5-y)

Ba(2)Cu(6-x)STe(4) and Ba(2)Cu(6-x)Se(y)Te(5-y) were prepared from the elements in stoichiometric ratios at 1123 K, followed by slow cooling. These chalcogenides are isostructural, adopting the space group Pbam (Z = 2), with lattice dimensions of a = 9.6560(6) ?, b = 14.0533(9) ?, c = 4.3524(3) ?, and V = 590.61(7) ?(3) in the case of Ba(2)Cu(5.53(3))STe(4). A significant phase width was observed in the case of Ba(2)Cu(6-x)Se(y)Te(5-y) with at least 0.17(3) ≤ x ≤ 0.57(4) and 0.48(1) ≤ y ≤ 1.92(4). The presence of either S or Se in addition to Te appears to be required for the formation of these materials. In the structure of Ba(2)Cu(6-x)STe(4), Cu-Te chains running along the c axis are interconnected via bridging S atoms to infinite layers parallel to the a,c plane. These layers alternate with the Ba atoms along the b axis. All Cu sites exhibit deficiencies of up to 26%. Depending on y in Ba(2)Cu(6-x)Se(y)Te(5-y), the bridging atom is either a Se atom or a Se/Te mixture when y ≤ 1, and the Te atoms of the Cu-Te chains are partially replaced by Se when y > 1. All atoms are in their most common oxidation states: Ba(2+), Cu(+), S(2-), Se(2-), and Te(2-). Without Cu deficiencies, these chalcogenides were computed to be small gap semiconductors; the Cu deficiencies lead to p-doped semiconducting properties, as experimentally observed on selected samples.     

Sulfosalts with alkaline earth metals. Centrosymmetric vs acentric interplay in Ba3Sb4.66S10 and Ba2.62Pb1.38Sb4S10 based on the Ba/Pb/Sb ratio. Phases related to arsenosulfide minerals of the rathite group and the novel polysulfide Sr6Sb6S17

The new compounds, Sr6Sb6S17, Ba2.62Pb1.38Sb4S10, and Ba3Sb4.66S10 were prepared by the molten polychalcogenide salt method. Sr6Sb6S17 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with a = 8.2871(9) A, b = 15.352(2) A, c = 22.873(3) A, and Z = 4. This compound presents a new structure type composed of [Sb3S7]5- units and trisulfide groups, (S3)2-, held together by Sr2+ ions. The [Sb3S7]5- fragment is formed from three corner-sharing SbS3 trigonal pyramids. The trisulfide groups are separated from the [Sb3S7]5- unit and embedded between the Sr2+ ions. Ba3Sb4.66S10 and Ba2.62Pb1.38Sb4S10 are not isostructural but are closely related to the known mineral sulfosalts of the rathite group. Ba3Sb4.67S10 is monoclinic P2(1)/c with a = 8.955(2) A, b = 8.225(2) A, c = 26.756(5) A, beta = 100.29(3) degrees, and Z = 4. Ba2.62Pb1.38Sb4S10 is monoclinic P2(1) with a = 8.8402(2) A, b = 8.2038(2) A, c = 26.7623(6) A, beta = 99.488(1) degrees, and Z = 4. The Sb atoms are stabilized in SbS3 trigonal pyramids that share corners to build ribbonlike slabs, which are stitched by Ba/Pb atoms to form layers perpendicular to the c-axis. These materials are semiconductors and show optical band gaps of 2.10, 2.14, and 1.64 eV for Sr6Sb6S17, Ba3Sb4.66S10, and Ba2.62Pb1.38Sb4S10, respectively. Raman spectroscopic characterization is reported. Sr6Sb6S17, Ba3Sb4.66S10, and Ba2.62Pb1.38Sb4S10 melt congruently at 729, 770, and 749 degrees C, respectively.     

Variable Coordination and Conformation of the 3-Cyano-2,4-pentanedionato Anion in a Mixed-Ligand Binuclear Copper(II) Chelate

The addition of dipyridylamine to bis(3-cyano-2,4-pentanedionato)copper(II), Cu(NC-acac)(2), induces changes in the mode of interaction and the conformation of the NC-acac(-) anion. The structure of the resulting binuclear compound was determined from a single microcrystal (monoclinic, space group P2(1), a = 7.894(7) ?, b = 25.550(24) ?, c = 11.661(13) ?, beta = 106.10(8) degrees, Z = 2, R(1) = 0.0564, (w)R(2) = 0.1197). In the addition compound {[Cu(NC-acac)dipyamH](NC-acac)}(2) when the NC-acac(-) acts as a chelating and bridging ligand, it assumes the commonly observed U(Z,Z) conformation, while behavior as weakly N-coordinated unidentate counteranion imposes the rarely encountered S(Z,E) conformation. In the [Cu(NC-acac)dipyamH](NC-acac)] entities one of the copper(II) centers is a 4 + 2 Jahn-Teller complex while the other is a square-based pyramid.